1 killed, 14 injured in killing spree; suspect said to have had delusions

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SAN FRANCISCO — Police will recommend a murder charge be filed against a driver who intentionally struck more than a dozen pedestrians and bicyclists with his vehicle, authorities said Wednesday.

Police in Fremont said an arrest warrant would be issued for Omeed A. Popal, 29, in the next few days.

“After our conversation with him, we are now confident he is responsible for the hit-and-run death of our citizen,” Detective Bill Veteran said.

Popal was arrested Tuesday in San Francisco after police boxed in his smashed-up sport utility vehicle following the hit-and-run spree. Investigators believe the first person hit was Stephen Jay Wilson, 54, who was killed as he walked home in Fremont, across San Francisco Bay.

Popal is under psychiatric observation at a hospital jail ward, said San Francisco sheriff’s spokeswoman Eileen Hirst. He was being held on suspicion of 14 counts of attempted murder and one count of fleeing a police officer and causing great bodily injury or death, Hirst said.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, which would handle the Fremont case, said it did not have a timetable for when charges would be filed.

The injured range in age from 18 to 84. Many were treated and released from hospitals. One person who was struck is in critical condition.